Windward Mall Plans Extensive Food Court Renovation and Expansion
Posted by Clyde
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 5:52 AM

HONOLULU – Windward Mall announced today plans to renovate and expand its existing food court in the second and final phase of the center’s comprehensive renovation. The project will more than double the size of the existing Food Court to 18,590 square-feet while providing an entirely new layout and design. The renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2009 and will require the demolition and closure of the food court during construction. The renovated dining facility is scheduled to reopen prior to the 2009 holiday season.

“We are excited to complete the work that we began during Windward Mall’s initial 2006 renovation when we updated the common areas of the majority of the center,” said Jonathan Kim, General Manager of Windward Mall. “The food court was the only section of the mall that was not renovated in that initial phase due to leasing commitments.”

Windward Mall owner Kamehameha Schools selected Honolulu-based Next Design LLC for the food court project. Plans for Windward Mall’s food court include providing direct access to the mall’s center court. Design elements were inspired by the ‘aina (land) on which Windward Mall is built. The beauty and vibrancy of the ahupua‘a of He‘eia, legacy lands of Kamehameha Schools founder Princes Bernice Pauahi Bishop, will be reflected throughout the food court in themes that include the Ko‘olau Mountains, Kane‘ohe Bay, as well as its fish ponds, streams, springs, flowers and wild life.

“This renovation will transform Windward Mall’s food court by providing enhanced functionality with more tenant bays, increased seating and updated utilities,” said Catherine Camp, Retail Development Manager, Kamehameha Schools. “We are working diligently to secure a great mix of national and local food court tenants to continue a tradition of exciting dining options at Windward Mall.”

Gateside, Inc., a firm established in 2006 as an Employee Stock Option Program for the management employees of J. Kadowaki, Inc., has been selected as the General Contractor for the food court renovation. J. Kadowaki, Inc, has served Hawaii since 1974. The company brings a 34-year track record with experience in retail, commercial office, and medical facilities work. Projects have included interior improvements, renovations, and ground-up buildings. Among the company’s recent completed projects is Nordstrom at Ala Moana. Other notable projects include DFS Galleria and a Ward Centre expansion which added 20,000 square feet of retail space.

“Windward Mall has enjoyed a significant renewal since renovations began two years ago and we continue to see even greater potential in this important commercial property that serves the Windward community and beyond,” said Kirk Belsby, Vice President of Endowment for Kamehameha Schools. “Windward Mall’s success directly supports Kamehameha Schools’ continued efforts to expand educational programs at our three campuses and in numerous communities.”

A total of nine current food merchants will be affected by the renovation, with their last day of operation on Wednesday, December 31, 2008. The new food court will feature a total of 10 food court tenants and 206 additional seats, bringing the total seating area to 408.

While the food court is closed, Windward Mall shoppers may continue to enjoy the mall’s multitude of dining options located throughout center, including full-service restaurants, Ruby Tuesday, IHOP and Farrell’s; casual dining options such as Macy’s Gazebo, Ninja Sushi and Taco Del Mar; and fast food options which include Arby’s, Boston’s Pizza, Hot Dog on a Stick, H&T Burgers, Maruki Tei, Panda Express and Subway, to name just a few.